Samuel Umtiti's contract renewal, absolute priority at Barcelona

Ernesto Valverde was thrilled with Samuel Umtiti's superb performance against Valencia. He's one of the defenders in the best form in the world and his price - 60m euros release clause - has not gone unobserved by Europe's big sides, who are willing to splash the cash on defenders - especially left footed ones.

Now Barcelona's main priority is giving the Frenchman a new deal. There is no rush but informal contact has begun and the idea is the deal is done before the Russia World Cup.

Barcelona had an order and calendar set up for renewals and it has followed the script. With Umtiti, the club knew they were going to stay calm. The Frenchman is well-integrated at Barca and wants to stay for many years. 

Sporting director Robert Fernandez has spoken to his people to prepare the ground for a new deal. The relationship between them is excellent and the club is satisfied with his performance. The idea was he would sign a new deal later in the summer but they want him to in June now.

Barcelona will extend his deal by two years, to 2023, and give him a higher release clause - over 200m euros. Right now he is the starter who earns the least in the side by some way and his weight in the team does not correspond to that.

Umtiti has told Barca he has no interest in listening to offers. And he has not pressured the club into advancing his renewal.